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Current Operations

• OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 27 May 2014 [PDF]
• Obama Announces Afghanistan Withdrawal Plan VOA 27 May 2014 -- President Barack Obama says 9,800 U.S. troops will remain in Afghanistan after this year, but all could be withdrawn if Afghan leaders do not sign a joint security agreement.
• Obama: U.S. to Keep Nearly 10,000 Troops in Afghanistan in 2015 AFPS 27 May 2014 -- President Barack Obama today announced the United States plans to keep nearly 10,000 American troops in Afghanistan next year -- a level largely in line with what U.S. commanders had requested -- and that nearly all U.S. forces will leave the country by the end of 2016, bringing to an end a U.S. military mission that began in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
• Dempsey: President's Troop Decision Aligns Tasks, Resources AFPS 27 May 2014 -- President Barack Obama's decision to keep 9,800 U.S. troops in Afghanistan next year "aligns tasks with resources," the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said today.
• Statement by Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel on Afghanistan DoD 27 May 2014
• Statement by the President on Afghanistan The White House 27 May 2014
• Fact Sheet: Bringing the U.S. War in Afghanistan to a Responsible End The White House 27 May 2014
• Background Briefing by Senior Administration Officials via Conference Call on Afghanistan The White House 27 May 2014
• Obama Announces Post-2014 Force For Afghanistan RFE/RL 27 May 2014 -- President Barack Obama announced on May 27 that he would push for a force of 9,800 U.S. troops in Afghanistan after 2014, with the U.S. military commitment fully ending at the end of 2016.
• Obama intends to leave 9,800 US troops in Afghanistan after formal withdrawal VoR 27 May 2014 -- U.S. President Barack Obama will announce plans on Tuesday to seek to leave 9,800 US troops in Afghanistan after the formal troop drawdown at the end of this year, a senior administration official said. Obama's decision is largely in line with what military commanders have been seeking and would allow the president to fully end the American-led military effort by the time he leaves office. The two-year plan is contingent on the Afghan government signing a bilateral security agreement with America. While outgoing Afghan President Hamid Karzai has declined to sign the agreement, US officials are confident that either of the candidates seeking to replace him would give the approval needed.
• The Way Forward in Afghanistan US Dept. of State 27 May 2014 -- Press Statement by John Kerry, US Secretary of State
• US spying revelations anger Afghan government Iran Press TV 27 May 2014 -- The Afghan government has voiced anger at the US for allegedly monitoring almost all the country's domestic and international phone calls after revelations by the whistleblower website, WikiLeaks.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Combat Hammer 2014: Boosting RPA strike proficiency AFNS 27 May 2014 -- The role of modern aerial warfare has drastically changed since it was first used on a large scale in World War I. The advent of precision-guided munitions has aided in providing strike capabilities to combatant commanders while helping to reduce or even eliminate unnecessary suffering.
• Climate Change Affects National Defense Decisions, Official Says AFPS 27 May 2014 -- Climate change is among the factors Defense Department officials consider in protect national security around the globe, a senior DOD official told a Senate panel here last week.
• As Challenges Arise, Arctic Could Demand Greater Capability AFPS 27 May 2014 -- A changing Arctic region with emerging challenges and opportunities demands greater attention from government and stakeholders, a Joint Staff official told a Senate panel here last week.
• Statement by Pentagon Press Secretary Rear Admiral John Kirby on Review of Military Health System DoD 27 May 2014
• Japanese Prime Minister and CNO Discuss Maritime Cooperation NNS 27 May 2014 -- Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Jonathan Greenert met with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, May 27 in Abe's office to discuss regional security and maritime partnership opportunities between the United States and Japan.
• Official: DOD Improves Field Energy Use to Strengthen Force AFPS 27 May 2014 -- Energy is a critical mission enabler to the Defense Department, a DOD official told a Senate panel here last week.
• Phoenix Express 2014 Stands Up Operations Center, Preps for Underway Phase NNS 27 May 2014 -- Personnel from European, North African and U.S. Naval forces began preparing for the underway segment of Phoenix Express Exercise 2014 (PE14) by standing up the maritime operations center in Sigonella, May 26.
• Ukraine, Poland, Lithuania plan to establish joint military unit VoR 27 May 2014 -- Cabinet has endorsed a draft agreement with Poland and Lithuania to set up a collaborative military unit, acting Ukrainian Defense Minister Mikhailo Koval said Tuesday. 'We are going to sign this draft agreement and get down to work before long,' Koval said.
• RAF's new surveillance aircraft takes to the skies UK MOD 27 May 2014 -- A Rivet Joint surveillance aircraft has been flown in UK airspace by an RAF aircrew for the first time.
• Russian fighters to monitor NATO planes' Baltic drills - source VoR 27 May 2014 -- Russia's Air Force will intensify surveillance of the Baltic countries' airspace if NATO warplanes begin flights on a large scale there, a high-ranking source in the General Air Force Staff told ITAR-TASS on Tuesday, commenting on NATO plans to conduct large-scale training flights of its aviation over the Baltic states on May 27 - 28.
• Deliveries of Russian MiG Fighters to Syria Maintain Arms Balance in Region – Internal Opposition RIA Novosti 27 May 2014 -- A contract for the supply of Russian MiG fighters to Syria serves to strike a balance of arms and maintain peace in the region, a top leader of Syria's Popular Front for Change and Liberation told RIA Novosti.
• May 27, 2014 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 27 May 2014

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for May 27, 2014

Other Conflicts

• 27 May 2014 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 27 May 2014
• New Libya PM's home comes under attack Iran Press TV 27 May 2014 -- Unidentified armed men have launched an attack on the house of Libya's new Prime Minister Ahmed Miitig in the violence-plagued capital, Tripoli.
• New Libyan prime minister sworn in amid opposition Iran Press TV 27 May 2014 -- Ahmed Maiteeq has been sworn in as Libya's new prime minister, amid the rejection of his election by the Libyan opposition.
• Alleged Boko Haram Gunmen Kill 45 Nigerian Soldiers, Officers VOA 27 May 2014 -- At least 45 Nigerian security personnel are dead after gunmen believed to be Boko Haram militants attacked the town of Buni Yadi.
• Cameroon sends troops to Nigeria border to take down Boko Haram VoR 27 May 2014 -- Cameroon has deployed some 1,000 troops and armoured vehicles to its border region with Nigeria as it steps up its military presence to counter a rising threat from Boko Haram Islamist militants, a defence ministry spokesman said on Tuesday - that's according to Reuters.
• Security Council prioritizes civilian protection as it extends UN mission in South Sudan UN News Centre 27 May 2014 -- The Security Council today extended the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and revised its mandate to give priority to the task of protecting civilians and to address the security, humanitarian and political crisis that has gripped the nation for the past six months.
• UN Force to Focus on Protecting South Sudan Civilians VOA 27 May 2014 -- The U.N. Security Council voted unanimously Tuesday to refocus the U.N. peacekeeping mission in South Sudan to concentrate primarily on protecting civilians instead of nation building, and it warned those obstructing peace and reconciliation that they could face international sanctions.
• 66,000 people flee homes in South Sudan: UN Iran Press TV 27 May 2014 -- The United Nations refugee agency has announced that more than 60,000 people have fled their homes in South Sudan since an agreement signed earlier this month to end the fighting that has ravaged the world's youngest nation for over six months.
• Tens of thousands more South Sudanese have fled fighting following truce – UN agency UN News Centre 27 May 2014 -- Some 70,000 more people have fled their homes in South Sudan since a 9 May agreement was signed to end the fighting that has ravaged the world's youngest nation for over six months, the United Nations refugee agency said today.
• China, Vietnam Blame Each Other for Fishing Boat Sinking VOA 27 May 2014 -- Vietnam and China are blaming each other after a Vietnamese fishing boat sank in the disputed South China Sea near where Beijing has placed an oil rig.
• UN and international partners call for resolution of Somali political crisis UN News Centre 27 May 2014 -- The United Nations, the European Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) today issued a joint appeal for a resolution of the political crisis in Somalia, adding that they stand ready to hold to account anyone who poses an obstacle to progress in the Horn of Africa nation.
• Pristina, Belgrade continue to 'narrow remaining differences,' says senior UN official UN News Centre 27 May 2014 -- Despite a slower pace recently on implanting the aims of the European Union-led political dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, a senior United Nations official told the Security Council today the two sides have "narrowed their remaining differences," and that he hopes once elections are complete in Kosovo, the dialogue will resume without delay.
• Mali: with northern rebel ceasefire holding, UN agencies scale up relief measures UN News Centre 27 May 2014 -- A ceasefire agreed between the Government and three rebel groups in restive northern Mali appears to be holding, the United Nations reported today, warning however that recent deadly violence in the flashpoint city of Kidal has displaced some 4,000 people who now desperately need food, water and other necessities.
• Bleak outlook for 96,000 Kachin IDPs three years on IRIN 27 May 2014 -- Nearly three years after renewed fighting erupted in Myanmar's northern Kachin State, aid workers say the humanitarian situation is deteriorating. Tens of thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) are in limbo, unsure of their future.
• Threat of disease in Iraq villages flooded by militants IRIN 27 May 2014 -- Flooding caused by the forced closure of a major dam on the Euphrates river has destroyed villages and farms across a 200sqkm area west of Baghdad, leaving tens of thousands homeless and at high risk of waterborne diseases like cholera.

News Reports

• Ukraine Says It Regained Control of Airport in East VOA 27 May 2014 -- After a day of punishing air strikes and fierce fighting with pro-Russia separatist gunmen, Ukraine said on Tuesday that it had regained control of Donetsk airport.
• US Ambassador: Russia's Hand in Ukraine Hard to Deny VOA 27 May 2014 -- As the uprising in eastern Ukraine intensifies, the Russian government's involvement is becoming harder to deny, the U.S. ambassador to Ukraine said Tuesday.
• Ban welcomes 'generally peaceful' polls in Ukraine, expresses alarm at fresh violence in east UN News Centre 27 May 2014 -- While welcoming the "generally peaceful" nature of Ukraine's weekend presidential elections, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today expressed concern that eligible voters in some parts of the county's crisis torn eastern region were not allowed to participate in the national poll.
• Dozens of Militants Killed in Battle for Donetsk Airport VOA 27 May 2014 -- After a day of punishing air strikes and fierce fighting with pro-Russian separatist gunmen, Ukraine said on Tuesday that it had regained control of the Donetsk airport.
• Russia ready for consultations with Kiev on border issues - Russian Foreign Ministry VoR 27 May 2014 -- Moscow is ready for consultations with Kiev on state border issues, as was previously requested by Ukraine, but would like to understand first what problems they suggest discussing, a Russian deputy foreign minister Grigory Karasin said Tuesday. 'Such a meeting is possible in principle. [But] it is important to understand what the Ukrainian authorities mean by requesting such consultations. If we get clarifications on this, such a meeting will be possible,' Karasin said.
• National Guard loses up to five people in operation in southeast - Ukraine's Interior Ministry VoR 27 May 2014 -- The losses of the National Guard amounted to up to five people throughout the entire forceful operation in southeastern Ukraine, the Interior Ministry said.
• Donetsk clashes: up to 50 people died, more than 100 injured in massive punitive operation VoR 27 May 2014 -- Fatalities may reach 100 people in a punitive operation active stage of which Ukrainian law enforcement agencies started in the eastern Ukrainian city of Donetsk on Monday,Chairman of the Supreme Council presidium of the Donetsk People's Republic Denis Pushilin reported to TASS news agency on Tuesday. He added that there were up to 50 civilians among the victims. Earlier, Donetsk mayor Alexander Lukyanchenko said that 40 people were killed in fighting on May 26.
• Kiev should immediately stop using army against Ukraine population - Moscow VoR 27 May 2014 -- Stopping the use of the Armed Forces against the civilian population of Ukraine will become an 'endurance test' for the Kiev authorities, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said. 'Immediately stopping the use of the army against the population and ending any violence by all sides is the top priority task and 'endurance test' for the Kiev authorities,' he said at a press conference in Moscow on Tuesday, Interfax reports.
• Ukraine Forces Retake Airport, Fighting Goes On In Donetsk RFE/RL 27 May 2014 -- Reports say sporadic fighting is continuing on the outskirts of the eastern Ukrainian city of Donetsk, a day after heavy clashes in which dozens of pro-Russian separatists were reported killed.
• Putin Demands End To Ukraine Offensive As Dozens Reported Killed RFE/RL 27 May 2014 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for an immediate end to what he called the Ukrainian government's 'punitive' military operation in the east, after dozens were reported killed in a day of fighting in the eastern city of Donetsk.
• Putin Moves Crimean Parliamentary Election Forward RIA Novosti 27 May 2014 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree announcing that an election for members of Crimea's and Sevastopol's legislative assembly planned for next year will instead be held on September 14.
• Kiev Sees no Need for State of Emergency in Eastern Ukraine RIA Novosti 27 May 2014 -- Ukrainian First Deputy Prime Minister Vitaliy Yarema said Tuesday that there was no need to declare a state of emergency in Eastern Ukraine where military operations are currently under way.
• Putin Calls for End to Violence, Urges Dialogue in Ukraine RIA Novosti 27 May 2014 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the situation in Ukraine in a phone conversation with Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi on Tuesday, calling for an end to violence in the crisis-hit country, the Kremlin said Tuesday.
• Ukraine Resumes Special Operation in Country's East RIA Novosti 27 May 2014 -- Ukrainian troops have resumed the Kiev authorities' special operation in the east of the country, which had been suspended for Sunday's presidential election, acting Deputy Prime Minister Vitaliy Yarema said Tuesday.
• Nearly 100 Killed in Monday's Donetsk Hostilities – Federalists RIA Novosti 27 May 2014 -- Over 50 members of local self-defense forces and nearly the same number of civilians were killed in clashes on Monday with pro-Kiev troops in the eastern Ukrainian city of Donetsk, the prime minister of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic said Tuesday.
• Kiev Asks Russia to Pay $1Bln for Gas Left in Crimea Storage RIA Novosti 27 May 2014 -- Ukraine has asked Russia to pay $1 billion for 2 billion cubic meters of natural gas stored at an underground facility belonging to Crimea's Black Sea oil and gas company Chernomorneftegaz, Acting Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk said Tuesday.
• Kiev to Pay Debt for Russian Gas After Fixing $268 Price for Further Deliveries RIA Novosti 27 May 2014 -- Ukraine is ready to pay its debt to Russia for gas deliveries only after securing a price of $268 per thousand cubic meters for future supplies, Finance Minister Oleksander Shlapak said Tuesday.
• Thai Military Detains Ex-Cabinet Minister VOA 27 May 2014 -- Thailand's ruling military has detained a minister in the ousted government, minutes after he denounced last week's coup as illegitimate.
• Thailand's Junta Targets Outspoken Academics and Activists VOA 27 May 2014 -- Thailand's junta has summoned and detained activists and academics in the week it assumed power in a coup. The military says it is carrying out a reform agenda aimed at solving the country's more than six month long political impasse.
• Egypt Extends Presidential Vote After Low Turnout VOA 27 May 2014 -- Egypt's election commission has extended the presidential poll by one day in an effort to increase voter turnout in an election that is widely expected to bring former army chief Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi to power.
• Sextet must enter nuclear talks with realism: Zarif Iran Press TV 27 May 2014 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has advised the six world powers to enter talks with Tehran over its nuclear energy program "with seriousness and realism."
• Zarif-Ashton talks in Istanbul long but useful: Araqchi Iran Press TV 27 May 2014 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and EU foreign policy chief, Catherine Ashton, held "long but useful" talks over Tehran's nuclear energy program in the Turkish city of Istanbul, a senior Iranian negotiator says.
• Iran confirms two MERS cases in sisters from Kerman Iran Press TV 27 May 2014 -- Iran's Health Ministry says it has detected two confirmed cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Corona-Virus (MERS-CoV) in the country's Kerman Province.
• Iran confirms first two cases of MERS deadly virus VoR 27 May 2014 -- Iranian officials say they have confirmed the country's first two cases of MERS, a deadly virus first reported two years ago in Saudi Arabia, its neighbor on the western side of the Gulf, that is according to Reuters.
• China Focus: Report slams 'unscrupulous' U.S. surveillance over world, China People's Daily 27 May 2014 -- A Chinese Internet information body has complained of 'unscrupulous' surveillance by U.S. intelligence agencies over the rest of the world, and called for an immediate cessation of the practice.
• Snowden has a lot to say about US bulk surveillance on Germans VoR 27 May 2014 -- Former NSA contractor Edward Snowden has new information to share with a German parliamentary inquiry investigating US surveillance and he believes all Germans' rights were violated, he hass told a German magazine, Reuters reports.
• Indian, Pakistani Leaders Hold Landmark Talks VOA 27 May 2014 -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif to crack down on militancy during their talks in New Delhi.
• N Korea warns US over village activities Iran Press TV 27 May 2014 -- North Korea has warned the Unites States that recent "provocative" activities in a truce village at the inter-Korean border could lead to "catastrophic" military clashes.
• Tajik Mullah's Remarks On Jihad Spark War Of Words RFE/RL 27 May 2014 -- A video has appeared on the Internet that purports to show a Tajik militant in Syria condemning a pro-government mullah's stance on the issue of jihad.